The new m900 fromGrace Design $499 isa headphone amp/DAC combo designed for pristine playback from USB,S/PDIF or Toslink sources. The unit uses the same analog circuitry and DAC asGrace’s larger monitor controllers but ina smaller, portable form factor. Features include the latest generation AKMDAC chipset, operation up to 384 kHz PCM or DSD128, precision level control in 0.5dB steps, dual parallel headphone outputs, and operation from laptop USB power. Also included is an additional 2A USB power supply and USB connector for high-power-mode operation.

Brought to the U.S. and distributed by Grace Design, the new KiiStudioMonitorSystem ($11,495a pair) features four 6.5-inch woofers,a 5-inch midrange and 1-inch waveguided tweeter, all individually driven by six 250-watt Ncore amps per box. The enclosure features true cardioid dispersion addressing problematic bass issues. Other features include analog and AES/EBU inputs, an Active Wave Focusing crossover filter, and selectable correction for free-standing or near-wall placement. Short-term SPL: 110 dB; peak SPL: 115 dB.